Embrace the Magic: How to Enjoy the Christmas Holidays While Camping
The Christmas holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition. While many people associate this special season with cozy firesides and twinkling lights, there’s
Updated April 2023
Camping season 2023 is around the corner in South Carolina and we’ve compiled the best campgrounds for families in SC. Whether you are looking for a primitive family campsite or a luxury RV resort, South Carolina has a campground to suite your wishes! We’ve sifted through all the data and found the top 9 family-friendly campgrounds for your next camping trip in South Carolina. (Is this your first time tent-camping with the kids? Read this first.)
As parents ourselves, we know what’s important for a successful family camping trip.
CLEAN BATHROOMS – so important for tent campers who rely on clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers! Even if you have a bathroom with your RV, its essential to have nice bathrooms when you are out and about exploring the parks.
KIDS’ AREAS & ACTIVITIES. While it isn’t essential to have organized activities for children, they are nice to have as an option. In addition – playgrounds and kid-friendly hiking trails are a must.
CAMPSITE PRIVACY. No one wants to drive a couple hours from home with all their camping gear to just be crammed into a campsite practically on top of their neighbors! We know we aren’t exactly back-packing into the wilderness, but bonus points for those campsites who have a measure of privacy so you can at least pretend you are miles away from society. (Check out this quick read on setting up a comfortable campsite)
With these criteria in mind, here is our suggested list of best campgrounds for families – SORTED GEOGRAPHICALLY EAST TO WEST.
Location:
6001 S Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Phone: 843-238-5636
Location:
871 Riverland Dr.
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-795-4386
You’ll find 643 acre James Island County Park just a short drive from Charleston, SC. There are miles of paved trails where you can go on family bike rides or just walk. There is also a waterpark for kids as well as fishing, crabbing, and boating!
If you are bringing dogs with you – they’ll enjoy an off-leash park and several beaches where they can swim and play with new doggie friends! Dog poo bag stations are installed throughout the park to make things easier for dog owners and less mess for everyone else!
Visitors report exceptionally clean shower houses and bathrooms.
| Facilities | 643 acre park Paved nature trails Splash Zone waterpark (seasonal) Freshwater lakes with fishing Pedal boats, kayak, paddleboard, and bicycle rentals Playground Tidal creek fishing and crabbing dock Picnic areas Off-leash dog park Campground Store Laundry Facility |
RV/Trailer/Tents
| Sites: | 142 |
| Site features: | 20/30/50 amp service on all sitesDump stations
Bathhouses Free Wifi Full hookups Grills/fire rings Picnic table Primitive Sites available |
Cottages
| Cottages: | 10 |
| Site features: | 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathBed linens and blankets
Bath towels Cooking utensils and flatware Max 8 people |
Location:
2555 Sea Island PKWY
Hunting Island, SC 29920
Phone: 843-838-2011
Hunting Island was hit hard by two separate hurricanes which caused widespread damage, washed away over half of the campsites and killed thousands of trees. Despite the devastation, the campground is still stunningly beautiful with a breathtaking coastline and abundant trees and wildlife. There is a salt marsh surrounding the island and there are plenty of educational opportunities for the young and old alike to learn about the nature and local wildlife.
One of the star attractions to this campground is the lighthouse. 167 steps to the top and you’ve got unbelievable vistas in 360 degrees!
Don’t be deterred by the reports of hurricane damage – this is a campground worth visiting and relaxing at! Restrooms, showers, and facilities are all rated tops as far as cleanliness!
Facilities/Amenities
| Boat ramp Playground Swimming beach Free wifi Picnic areas Restrooms Dump station Camp store Trails Lighthouse |
RV/Trailer/Tents
| Sites: | 102 |
| Site features: | 20/30 & 50 amp electrical Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft, some up to 28 ft |
Cabin
| Cabin: | 1 |
| Site features: | Included: linens, basic cooking/eating utensils, satellite television, dvd player, free WiFi, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, coffee maker, central air/heat, outside grill, picnic table.Note: Pets not allowed |
Location:
357 State Rd S-32-45
Swansea, SC 29160
Phone: 803-568-4182
River Bottom Farms Family Campground is a low-key, family-centered campground. There are so many outdoor fun things for kids to do – from playgrounds, to 3 stocked ponds full of fish, to all sorts of recreational games you can borrow and use. The camp staff have planned activities such as games, craft time, karaoke night, bingo, and wagon rides to name a few. Pets are welcome as well in the camping area (not the cabins).
The bathhouse and laundry facilities are clean and well maintained. Besides young families you’ll find many other grandparents vacationing with their grandchildren!
Facilities/Amenities
| Swimming pool Fishing in ponds, creeks, and North Edisto River Arcade Nature walks Gaga ball and human foosball courts Playground ADA bathhouse, showers Laundry facilities General store Pet-friendly Dump station Free WiFi |
RV/Trailer/Tent:
| Sites: | 62 |
| Site features: | Full hookups 30 & 50 amp Sewer Water |
Cabins:
| Cabins: | 3 |
| Site features: | Heat and Air Fully furnished Bring your own linens No smoking or pets |
Location:
3677 State Park Rd
Prosperity, SC 29127
Phone: 803-364-4152
Dreher Island State Park is best known for its three islands that link to the mainland by a causeway and two bridges. The park is 348 acres and includes 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray which is popular for boating and fishing (including national fishing tournaments!).
Families with young children will enjoy the nature trails as well as playgrounds scattered throughout the park. Older children will enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, boating, biking, and geocaching. For scuba divers with their own equipment – Lake Murray offers incredible dive sites with boat wrecks, a giant bridge, railroad trestles, rock ledges, and even an entire house! Contact the park office for information on diving permits.
Facilities/Amenities
| Community building Picnic shelters (10) Fishing tournament shelters 3 boat ramps with private boat access to Lake Murray 3 playgrounds Recreational trails Community bath/shower facilities Dump Station |
RV/Trailer/Tent:
| Sites: | 97 |
| Site features: | Paved Sites Water hook-ups Electrical hook-ups Picnic table |
Tent Specific Sites
| Sites: | 15 |
| Site features: | Water, electric hook-ups Picnic table |
Primitive Camping Area
| Site features: | For organized groups (see website for details) Central water Picnic tables Up to 25 campers |
Lakeside Villas:
| 2-Bedroom Villas: | 2 |
| 3-Bedroom Villas: | 3 (one of these is user friendly for physically impaired) |
| Site features: | No pets allowed Linens, basic cooking/eating utensils provided Heat/AC Gas fireplace Microwave Satellite television Free Wifi Coffee maker Screened porch Outside grill Picnic table |
Camper Cabins:
| Camper Cabins | 10 |
| Site features: | 12 x 12 ft 1 set bunk beds 1 double bed Heat/AC Indoor lighting Electrical outlets Wifi Outside water spigot Fire Ring Grill NO running water, linens are NOT provided No pets (until 1 Jan 20) ** After Jan 1, 2020 – pets are allowed in cabins #2-5. |
111 Campground Rd
Plum Branch, SC 29845
Phone: 864-333-2223
Families who love spending time on the water will really enjoy their stay at Hamilton Branch State Park. Many of their campsites are on the waterfront of 70,000-acre Lake Thurmond. Shoreline fishing is popular as well as deep water fishing for bass, bream, striper, catfish, and crappie.
Besides water activities – there are a number of other family-friendly recreational activities at the park. Family biking trips can begin on the trail connector to the Stevens Creek Bike Trail – a 12 mile trail (with some sections unpaved). Bicycle rentals are available at the park office for reasonable rates. If your family enjoys Geocaching, there are several geocaches located throughout the park just waiting to be discovered! In the Park Office you can also check out outdoor games: horseshoes, bean bag toss, kickballs, frisbees, and more.
Facilities/Amenities
| 8 Comfort stations (restroom facilities & hot showers) 2 Dump stations No Wi-Fi available 2 private boat ramps Trail connector to 12-mil Stevens Creek Bike Trail |
RV/Trailer/Tent:
| Sites: | 173 |
| Site features: | 150 sites are waterfront Water & electricity |
Tent Specific Sites
| Sites: | 11 |
| Site features: | Water only |
Primitive Camping Area
| Sites: | 4 |
| Up to 400 people Picnic tables Fire ring Nearby restrooms |
140 Winnebago Trail
Pendleton, SC 29670
Phone: 912-598-2300
Twin Lakes Campground is a picturesque area located on Hartwell Lake. The campground has wooded areas all around the lake with several campsites waterfront. By far, the most popular activity for families is boating and all watersports like fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. In addition there are several trails that are fun for mountain biking and hiking.
The campground is spacious, you won’t feel like you are living on top of your neighbors. The water and trees provide peace and tranquility.
Facilities/Amenities
| 152 Acre recreational area Picnic shelter 5 comfort stations with showers 2 dump stations 5 playgrounds Swim area/beach Fishing & boating |
RV/Trailer/Tent:
| Sites: | 102 |
| Site features: | Water, electric hook ups |
2401 State Park Rd
Greenville, SC 29609
Phone: 864-244-5565
Paris Mountain State Park
Paris Mountain is the perfect destination campground for families who love to hike. There are many different hiking trails, at all levels of difficulty, to explore. After hiking you can cool off in Lake Placid which has a summer swimming area as well as opportunity to rent paddle boards and kayaks. The campground areas are quiet and wooded and are very peaceful. Facilities are older, but well maintained and clean.
Facilities/Amenities
| 1540 Acres of parkland Miles of hiking and biking trails 4 park lakes (Lake Placid, Mountain Lake, Buckhorn Lake, and North Lake) Swimming area (seasonal) Park Center Picnic shelters Dump Station |
RV/Trailer
| Sites: | 26 |
| Site features: | Electric and water |
Designated Tent Sites
| Sites: | 13 |
| Site features: | Electric and water |
Trailside Camping Sites
| Sites: | 5 |
| Site features: | Each site can accommodate up to 2 small tents and 5 people |
161 Holcombe Circle
Salem, SC 29676
Phone: 864-944-2639
Devil’s Fork State Park sits alongside incredible Lake Jocassee – a 7565 acre, clear water lake. The waters are exceptionally clear and are super popular with SCUBA divers, snorkelers, swimmers, canoers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. Lake Jocassee is fed by mountain streams and several waterfalls, making its temperatures cooler than surrounding area lakes and known for its trout fishing.
Families can choose from four different camping methods – the standard campsites (for RVs and tents), a primitive tent camping ground, a boat-in campground, and 20 two-and-three-bedroom lakeside villas. In addition spring time is the only time to see the rare Oconee Bell blooms (mid-March to April).
Facilities/Amenities
| 3 boat ramps Meeting room Dump Station Restrooms with hot showers Laundry facilities |
RV/Trailer/Tent
| Campsites: | 59 |
| Site features: | 2 vehicles per site allowed Electric/Water 12’ x 12’ tent pad Max 2 tents per site Picnic table Fire ring |
Tent Only Sites (walk-in):
| Sites: | 25 |
| Site features: | 12’ x 12’ elevated tent pad Max 1 tent per site Picnic table Fire ring No electric/water Water spigots & restrooms are located adjacent to the walk-in tent parking area |
Boat-In Campground:
| Campground: | 1 |
| Site features: | Boat-in backcountry campsites located on northern shore of Lake Jocassee at base of Musterground Mountain. Open seasonally Combination fire rings/grill pits No pets allowed No water, electrical or restroom facilities All trash must be removed upon departure |
Lakeside Villas
| 2-Bedroom/1-Bath Villas: | 15 |
| 3-Bedroom/2-Bath Villas: | 5 |
| Site features: | Beginning 1 Jan 20 – pets allowed in villas 1-5 Fully furnished All linens provided Kitchen appliances, basic cooking/eating utensils provided Heat/AC Satellite TV Free WiFi Screened porch Charcoal grill Picnic table |
The Christmas holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and tradition. While many people associate this special season with cozy firesides and twinkling lights, there’s